John Perry Keith

John Perry Keith, age 92, of Fountain Hills died peacefully on Jan. 18, 2018 at his home. Born June 22, 1925 in Keithville, La., he was the son of the late Elmo Arnold Keith and Mary Estelle Keith (Flores). John graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport, La. in 1943. Throughout his life, John had his hand in many successful businesses and enjoyed the opportunity to live in Louisiana, California, Texas and Arizona.

From 1944 to 1950, John joined the family business in Keithville which included a general store, cotton gin, farm and automotive repair services. John decided to venture outside of the family business from 1950 to 1953 where he worked for Magneto Ignition Company in Shreveport, La. In 1954, John moved with his beloved wife Norma to Rockport, Texas to start his next venture in the concrete business.

Always putting his family needs as a priority, in 1965 John moved to Phoenix in order to be closer with his wife’s family. Keith owned a bottled water company franchise from 1965 to 1972. John then started KeyRust LLC, a land development company based out of Flagstaff.

Retiring in 1985, John and his late wife, Norma enjoyed retirement to its fullest in Payson. In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing, was an avid race car enthusiast and had a passion for building wood furniture.

John was predeceased by his wife, Norma on Aug. 22, 2007. He is survived by three children, John W. Keith (Kathy) in Ensenada, Mexico, Suzanne (Sami) Jack of Fountain Hills, and James P. Keith (Cindy) of Port Hueneneme, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Annie Keith, Jason Keith, Stephenie Bjorkman, Rana Courchaine, Daniel Keith, Nathan Keith, and Cristina Gotte as well as several great grandchildren.